Following the success of the first radio talk show organized by Relief International as part of the activities for the EU funded “Transparency for Human Rights in Bangladesh” programme, the second talk show was aired on 9^th December 2010. The show was moderated by Mr. Sharfuddin Khan ,Programme Officer, Social Mobilization and Economic Development, ILO – IPEC . Dr. S M MORSHED,National Consultant (Advocacy and Social Mobilisation),Child Labour Unit of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Mr. Korvi Rakshand, Founder, Jaago Foundation were the guest speakers at the event.

The programme started with reviews of the current status of child rights in Bangladesh. All programme participants  agreed that, though children themselves represent the future of our country, various forms of violations are perpetrated on them from the time of their birth and most children lack access to their basic human rights. The problem lies in the fact that, although there are various legislations to protect child rights in Bangladesh, the legislations are not being implemented properly. Due to extreme poverty, the Bangladeshi children lack access to education, health care, freedom and are often forced to work as labour, domestic workers, and engage in various other forms of menial labour for paltry amounts of money. Speakers lauded the initiatives of the government to make education and health care services available to all children, but explained that service providers are still charging money for the provision of services which are essentially free of cost according to the government’s regulations. Hence monitoring and follow up is required in order to ensure that the children of the nation are able to fully utilize the benefits of the legislations passed and conventions ratified by the government.

The programme went on to discuss the impact that child rights violations have on the social and economic development of the economy. Children can add to our nation’s reserve of skilled human resource if educated as per their rights. However, they are instead trapped in a vicious cycle of abject poverty which forces them away from mainstream education outlets and further reduces their chances of earning appropriate incomes. Speakers also stressed on the fact that various stakeholders in the society can come together to promote respect for human rights and that would further strengthen the efforts of the government. Corporate organizations, civil society organizations, youth, institutions and the like can all unite to help children gain access to their fundamental rights. Efforts directed towards upholding the rights of children does not simply entail investing in a child, it entails an investment in the future of the nation.

The discussion ended with hopes of community mobilization to promote children’s rights. Speakers and the moderator urged the government to recognize efforts of individuals and organization who are engaged in this sector and to provide support for the initiatives.

To listen the recorded version of the radio talk show, download.